Indefinite curfew to continue in ‘high risk zones’

• Curfew to be lifted from 6.00 am to 4.00 pm in other districts
• 28,000 curfew violators arrested 

By Sandun A. Jayasekera

The curfew currently in force in the districts of Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Puttalam, Kandy and Jaffna which have been identified as High Risk Zones will continue until further notice.    

In all other districts, curfew will be lifted for 10 hours from 6.00 am today (16) and will be re-imposed at 4.00 pm.  In this districts, the curfew will remain until April 20. Meanwhile, it was reported that future arrangements on imposing curfew will be notified after April 20. 

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Ajith Rohana said over 28,000 men and women had been arrested for violating curfew by 12.00 noon yesterday (15) and they would not be given bail until the conclusion of the cases filed against them in courts.   

 The “Work from Home” mechanism introduced for public and private sector employees to control the COVID-19 outbreak, has now been extended till April 20, 2020. It has also been decided to re-open schools on May 11 for second term.   

Distant learning facilities have been provided for students to the maximum extent during the school closure. 
The sole purpose of these measures, including imposing curfew, is to ensure the well-being of the people of this country in this critical situation. Hence, the Government requests the public to bear the inconveniences caused as a result of the ongoing curfew in a responsible manner.   

Also, the Government emphasizes to purchase only the most essential items and to avoid unnecessary travelling. The Government further requests to restrict traditions and family get-together during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

The government has put in place a mechanism to continuously supply food and other essentials enabling the public to purchase them while being at home during curfew.   

Those who are engaged in paddy cultivation, fishing, small tea holdings and export crops in any district are permitted to carry out their activities.   

Travelling to and from all districts has been completely prohibited except for the purpose of providing essential services.   

• Travelling to and from all districts has been completely prohibited except for the purpose of providing essential services